Add Fresh Peppers to Your Favorite Dips

Following a menu plan that is rich in whole foods is great for your health and well-being. Whole foods are more nutritious, help to fill you up, and contain fewer calories than processed foods. If eating habits are causing weight gain, you need to change your eating patterns. For example, take time to enjoy the food you're eating by chewing more slowly, never eat when you're not hungry, and quit the clean-plate club. Shift your focus to real foods to help you lose weight and keep it off.

Study Says Capsaicin Safe for Pregnant Women

According to healthcare researchers at the University of Maryland's Medical Center, eating peppers that are high in capsaicin is generally considered to be safe and does not pose a risk to women who are pregnant. However, consuming foods containing capsaicin while breastfeeding can pass the spice through the mother's milk. Nonetheless, it only takes a small amount of capsaicin to reap the weight loss benefits of adding minced hot peppers in your favorite foods.

A recent study at Purdue University documented the effects of red pepper used in natural form compared to participants who took a capsule. The taste and sensory effect of the natural peppers sprinkled on the food maximized its impact on appetite, body temperature and calories burned. So, add some to your favorite sandwich, salad, pot of vegetables, stew or chili to help manage your weight. Also, don't ignore the nutritional content of peppers with less spice.

Any Faulty Approach Can Result in Weight Gain

Research studies indicate that whole foods do a better job of telling your brain when to stop eating, whereas this effect is delayed when you eat highly processed foods compared with a low-energy-dense meal.  Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, dietary fibers, vitamins and minerals are required nutrients. The three macronutrients provide energy in the form of calories. However, the calories that you do not use are stored as body fat regardless of the source. These common mistakes can, not only prevent weight loss, any faulty approach may lead to an increase in weight.